Scared to death in Georgia

[lindajoy 0]

Thinking of having lap band surgery. Contacted a couple of places this morning, True Results and Dr. Smith at Atlanta Bariatric. Insurance is BCBS of GA. From the stories I have seen since signing up for this site this morning not sure what to expect, and what I'll be able to eat if this surgery ever happens. Can someone give me a from thinking about it - to the end scenario? Thanks:frown:

Also this port I keep reading about, is it very noticeable?

Edited June 8, 2009 by lindajoy

[jnic9761 0]

the surgery isnt bad at all.u will be sore a couple days then youll start getting back to normal.

As far as your port showing ,mine doesnt but i can feel it better since ive lost a few pounds.

The band isnt a quick fix, it takes time and what and how much you can eat changes from person to person and somw days you can eat things and the next you cant.

I used Dr. Finley in Atlanta he was a pretty good surgeon.

[lindajoy 0]

Thanks - my nerves have calmed down a little. I know I am at the beginning of this adventure and have a long ways to go.

[OnTheWay to Thin 0]

Hi I am recently banded 2 weeks and I would not change a thing. I have started on mushies now and it is amazing I am not hungry, I get full on very little food, and I am steadily dropping 2-3 lbs a week. My doctor said this could slow down until I get fills but right now I can see the potential of this and I am thrilled. I have lost 3" in my bust, 1 " in my waist (still a bit swollen from surgery) and 2 inches in my hips, I can feel the difference and I have only lost 23 lbs... My port can not be seen but if I feel real hard I can feel it. Hope this helps.

[lindajoy 0]

Thanks again for the support. Now my hope is insurance (BCBS of GA) will approve me before I chicken out :thumbup:

[lindajoy 0]

And..congratulations to you both on your weight loss :thumbup:

[lindajoy 0]

Just found out Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia will not cover surgery. Now what do I do???:thumbup:

[jhtexas 0]

Call the insurance company & ask them for the exact specifications they require for the surgery. I am awaiting approval from my insurance company today. With mine, I had to be 100 lbs over ideal weight which they told me they went by the "Metropolitian Life Weight Chart". I gained about 10 lbs. in the last 2 months, so I would qualify with my insurance company. Good luck!:thumbup:

[lindajoy 0]

FYI Just contacted insurance company again, I seem to be getting a run around already. What is the cost of a the lap band surgery?

[OnTheWay to Thin 0]

Depending on your area in the US it can be 12-20K. Mexico is cheaper. You need to find out if your insurance specifically excludes weight loss surgery, if they do there is not much you can do to get it covered, it is just excluded. But if they do cover but under certain circumstances, you need to get a copy of the medical policy for WLS so you can see if you meet the guidelines. If you are working with a surgeon, their office is probably well versed on how to check your insurance, you might give them a call and ask them to check for you. Good luck.

[lindajoy 0]

Thank you. Just when I was getting excited about becoming a smaller person, I get dissapointment.:thumbup:

[TopTier 0]

Aw, I know exactly how you feel!

I learned that my insurance policy doesn't cover weight loss surgery at all, so I can relate.

But I'm working on a self-pay, so, as my husband said, we will do this one way or another!

[lindajoy 0]

Just isn't fair. Some insurance companies won't insure you because of your weight. Try to do something about it, and ya get the ol denial. :thumbup:

[lindajoy 0]

Well spoke with one bariatric center regarding lap band in the atlanta area...my BMI is border line, have a few medical problems with the extra weight but not enough to get me into a meeting. Unalbe to get BCBS of GA to insure the surgery and I do not have 17, 000.00 laying around to pay for this procedure myself. So with that being said, thank you for the support you have showed me, and I wish you all the best of luck.